Universal names first contractors for £5bn Bedford theme park

Bovis, Galliford Try, Morgan Sindall, Careys, Sir Robert McAlpine, Wates and Winvic are among 23 firms appointed to support delivery of the Universal United Kingdom Resort. Universal has not yet revealed individual package scopes or contract values. The appointments give the clearest picture yet of the delivery team assembling around one of the UK’s biggest construction projects. Enabling works are already under way at the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site south of Bedford, with the main five-year construction programme expected to ramp up rapidly. Comcast NBCUniversal has committed more than £5bn to build the resort, while Government is putting £1.3bn into supporting road, rail and local infrastructure. The 476-acre development will become Universal’s first branded theme park and resort in Europe and is due to open in 2031.

Plans include several themed lands, major rides and attractions, a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. Universal said the development would generate £50bn of economic benefit and support 20,000 jobs during construction, followed by 8,000 direct jobs once operational.

Planning permission was granted through a Special Development Order, clearing the way for work to move ahead. Universal construction delivery team

Contractors and construction management

• Bovis Construction (Europe)

• Galliford Try Construction

• Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure

• P.J. Carey Contractors

• Sir Robert McAlpine

• Wates Construction

• Winvic Construction

Consultants and specialist support

• Arcadis Consulting

• AtkinsRéalis

• Blumano

• Brindle & Green

• Buro Happold

• Gensler

• Gillespies

• Gleeds

• Mace Consult

• Mott MacDonald

• Ove Arup & Partners

• Oxford Archaeology

• Pinsent Masons

• Rider Levett Bucknall

• Ridge and Partners

• Wilson James

Universal said many businesses which worked on the feasibility and planning phases are also continuing on the project. These have included WSP, LDA Design, SLR Consulting, DWD Property and Planning and Town Legal.